Boro to get £9m Afonso as Yak heads to Everton

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will make a record £9million bid for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves - one of the hottest shots in world football.

Alves could quit Dutch side Heerenveen and head to The Riverside in a massive deal this week to replace Yakubu, who looks set to join Everton for £11 million.

The 26-year-old banged in an astonishing 34 goals for Heerenveen last season, winning him the Golden Boot in Europe for his amazing feats in just 31 games.

Manchester United and other top clubs looked at Alves but stopped short of bidding. Yet Boro are in with an offer and want to do business as Yakubu waits to move to Goodison after being left out of today's Boro squad.

Alves is also a new star in Brazil's national side, playing in the last five games as his country won the Copa America tournament in style. He should be granted a work permit once terms are agreed.

Unsettled Alves went back to Holland last month in the mood to move and fell out with the club, opening the way for a transfer to England's top flight.

Boro have had a strong Brazilian link in the past since the days of Juninho.

But Alves could be the best of the lot if he brings the goals that will be missing after Yakubu followed Mark Viduka out of the door.

Tottenham's Egyptian hitman Mido has finally signed for Boro but Alves would bring the finishing skills that Southgate's side are going to need.

Yakubu will be joined at Goodison by 21-year-old Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes, who is set to complete a £6m move today.

Boss David Moyes said: "Manuel has completed his medical and I would then expect him to become an Everton player at some time over the weekend."